History was made in early 2010 when Tomas Sanchez became the very first Garífuna in Guatemala to start blogging. If you are interested in learning about the Garífuna on a deeper level, Garifuna culture and spirituality beyond the tourists' vision, then here is where you need to be. Gain insight into the reality of the Garífunas in Livingston and feel free to leave comments. Thank you for visiting.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Áhari

This life was created as vehicle through which you and I can do that. Try to wrap yourself around this thought. This has become my favorite concept, “life is a series of relationships”. Everything is intrinsically connected, irrevocably inter-independent, interactive, interwoven into the fabric of all life.

Today is October 16th 2010; it has been three days since thirty three mine workers were rescued from the bottom pit of the earth, they were there for two months. The world stood still, watching as they were brought from a place I would rather call the “other side”.

The word “Áhari” in the Garifuna language can mean the soul of a loved one, but before I continue, I would like for you to know that I am sharing with you, something that I have not shared before. This is about my relationship with the other side. The “other side” is like a place we have been looking for, and we don’t even realize that we are there.

Gangadiwali is the name given to a private piece of land large enough to create a community; it has been in the hands of the Garifuna Community for almost two centuries. For the most part of the first hundred years, this piece of land was like “The” promise land for the Garifuna Community in Labuga. The type of community I am talking about is like the “other side”.

I think there is much to be learned from the mine workers in Chile. There is no doubt in my mind that these brothers had to practice a way of life that our ancestors did for our survival two centuries ago. One for all, All for one.

Áhari is a universal concept in the Garifuna Community; it was the Áhari who gave our ancestor the courage to continue. It was the Áhari who gave our leaders the vision to see into the future which I think is now.

Seremein (thanks) for the feedback and comments. The word "itarala" means 'so be it' or 'Amen' in the Garifuna language.

"Au-le" means 'yours truly'.

Joe, I was born in Labuga but went to school in Dangriga in the late 60s early 70s it was shameful for us to speak Garifuna, therefore when I came back to Labuga from Dangriga I could not speak my language anymore. However I was able to understand which I think you still do, therefore it is just a matter of time before you get back on your feet.